Toxics

Many organic compounds and metals have been identified as parameters of concern because of their toxic effects in the environment. The Rouge Project is conducting a toxic monitoring program to identify existing levels of organic compounds and metals in the water column and sediments at ten locations. The program also assessed the impacts these compounds have on aquatic life and human health through the use of bioassays.  The Rouge Project has conducted projects to clean up sediments in the River.

Sediment Removal Project -- Newburgh Lake

A project to remove toxics in the watershed was completed in Newburgh Lake.  For many years, Newburgh Lake had offered excellent recreational opportunities for the citizens in the Rouge River Watershed. Newburgh Lake was created in the early 1900s. Over the years, sediments accumulated which significantly degraded the recreational quality of Newburgh Lake. Shallow water depths resulting from the sediment accumulation and nutrient-rich water led to excessive growth of aquatic plants. Moreover, some of these sediments contained toxic contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that entered the food chain and contaminated the fish which resulted in a potential human health hazard associated with fish consumption. To eliminate this possible hazard and other water quality problems, it was necessary to remove the contaminated sediments. This lead to the Newburgh Lake Restoration Project which focused on the following objectives:

Planning for the restoration project began in 1993 followed by the final design being completed in 1996 with construction starting in April 1997 and completion in October 1998.

The most challenging phase of the project was the excavation and removal of 558,000 tons of sediments, much of which was contaminated with PCBs. Beyond sediment removal, 7 acres of fish spawning beds and habitat structures were built throughout the lake bottom; 10 acres of beneficial aquatic vegetation were planted in constructed shoal areas; 28,000 pounds of PCB contaminated fish were eradicated and removed from the lake and its adjacent waterways; over 30,000 fish of various species were restocked; and numerous shoreline and infrastructure upgrades were made to enhance the recreational use of the surrounding park area.

Click here for more information on the Newburgh Lake Restoration Project